Filling machine and process of filling containers



Feb. 16, 1937. w. E. URSCHEL ,0

FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS OF FILLING CONTAINERS Filed March 20, 19251 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNEY Feb. 16, 1937. w. E. URSCHEL FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS OF FILLING CONTAINERS Filed March 20, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 R m n N N E R V m m T Feb. 16, 1937. w. E. URSCHEL FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS OF FILLING CONTAINERS Filed March 20, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 R m n E 0 V m m 1 T a A .ralllrrlllzllflllllfillr Patented Feb. 16, 1937 FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS OF FILLING CONTAINERS William E. Urschel, Valparaiso, Ind.

Application March 20,

24 Claims.

The invention relates to a process for filling cans and other containers and also to a can filling machine of a type used to fill to a fixed level a can which has previously been packed with fruit, berries, or vegetables, such as peas, peaches,

and strawberries.

Syrupers of known construction release a predetermined volume of liquid into each can. Due to the fact that the material packed in a can is of various bulks, the space to be filled by the liquid varies over a wide range. When a predetermined volume of liquid is discharged into a series of cans, some of the cans will not be filled to the preferred height, while others will have overflowed syrup wasted.

The object of the present invention is to produce a machine which will fill each can which passes therethrough with liquid to a pre-selected' height. A further object of the invention is to produce a machine for filling cans which is clean, efficient, and automatic in operation. A still further object of the invention is to produce a machine which will fill cans without waste. Another object of my invention is to provide a process for filling containers with liquid to a predetermined height without overflowing such container.

While the improvements herein described are disclosed as being applied to a syruping machine especially adapted to fill packed cans of material with a liquid, the device may be adapted to fill containers, such as bottles, jars, or cans.

With these ends in view, the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the invention shown in connection with a can fllling machine.

Figure 2 is an elevation in section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional plan view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1. r

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section showing in details the construction of the filling and draw-off heads.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view, partly in' section, of a container lifting piston.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrative of the principle and operation of the invention.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the filler head disclosing the manner in which air and surplus liquid are drawn off.

Like reference characters are used to designate similar parts in the drawings and in the description of the invention hereinafter given.

Reference should be had to the details in the 55 drawings which illustrate the construction of the 1931, Serial No. 524,035

present machine, and show how the objects of the invention are accomplished. Vertical side standards I are joined or fastened together by cross member 2. A cross frame 3 suitably secured to or forming a part of the standards I supports the main body of the machine. Upright brackets 4 fastened to standards I are connected by a bearing holding cross member 5.

A supply tank 6 is provided with a tubular raised center 1, the latter being threaded at its uppermost extremity. The tubular center 1 forms a sliding sleeve on a center rod 8 so that the tank 6 may be raised or lowered by a hand wheel 9 threaded on its inside. Said threaded section engages the threaded tubular center 'I of the supply tank 6, thus raising or lowering said tank. Tank 6 is raised or lowered to accommodate different heights of containers which may be fllled in the machine. The upper extremity of rod 8 is reduced in size so that a flange in hand wheel 9 loosely fits on the shoulder produced by such reduction. Thus, the hand wheel 9 is maintained at a fixed height as is clearly shown in Figure 2.

, Supply tank 6 is provided with a number of filler heads I 0. These are preferably equally spaced and are suitably fastened to the under side of the tank. A filler head I 0 consists of a flanged section II substantially in cross-sectional shape somewhat resembling an annular inverted trough which is pressed tightly against the rim or free upper edge of a container while the latter is being filled. A right fit of the flanged portion I I upon a container I2 prevents splashing of liquid while a container is being filled. At the same time, because of the irregularities of the tops of containers, air is admitted thereto in the manner indicated by the arrows in Figure 7. In said Figure '7, the openings on the side and top 01' the container I! are exaggerated for the express purpose of illustration.

As liquid flowing down an outlet pipe I4 reaches a predetermined height in a container, any liquid which mayflow into the can over and above such height will be drawn through the filler head ID with the air removed from a can, as indicated by arrows in Figure 7.

As a container I2 ispressed against the flanged portion II of a filler head I0, said container forces the filler head I0 upward. A tubular sleeve I3 threaded or otherwisefastened to the top of filler head I0 is loosely fltted around outlet pipe I4 so that whenthe flller head I0 is raised, the sleeve I3 telescopes on outlet pipe I4. Outlet pipe I4 is stationary and preferably rigidly fastened to supply tank 6.

As filler head I0 is pushed upwardly, a lug on the lower flanged section of tubular sleeve i3 contacts a finger l5 fastened to the bottom end of a valve rod I6. A pin placed in valve rod I6 connects finger l5 and said rod and prevents finger l5 from sliding along rod l6. Finger l5 projects sufilciently at its outer end to permit of valve I! being closed manually, if necessary, to stop the flow of liquid from tank 6. This is necessary in case of difficulty with the machine or the power supply.

As the valve rod I6 is pushed upwardly, valve I1 is opened as shown lnFigure 4, and liquidflows down through an opening i8 and by way of outlet tube l4. Two aligning wings 28, one on each side of valve rod l6, either separate from or forming a part of a valve sleeve 2|, maintain valve l1 in line with opening I 8. When the operation of .filling a container is completed and such container is being lowered, a spring 22 on valve stem or rod l6 bears down on finger l5 and urges valve H to a closed position, thus arresting the flow of liquid from tank 6. At the same time, a spring 23 about the sleeve l3 forces the filler head l8 downwardly to a predetermined position. The outlet tube l4 has a flaring lower end and is of greatest diameter at its base. This permits the filler head III to drop only a fixed distance.

A container I2 is raised or lowered by a cam roller 2411 which is rotatably mounted on a stud 24b. A's cam roller 24a travels over the face of a cam 25, stud 24!) which is suitably attached to a piston or container lifter 26, slides up or down in a slot 2I'of a piston. sleeve 28. Cam 25 is of a predetermined length and curve and is fastened to or forms a part of the cross frame 3 and remains stationary. While the operation of filling containers I2 is proceeding, a fan 29, by suction, draws off air and any surplus liquid through an opening 38 in filler head it and through a connection 3| between filler head l8 and an air chamber 32. The air thus drawn away is sucked through a pipe 33 and released through an opening in an exhaust 34. Exhaust 34 may be fastened to cross member 2 by suitable means.

Fan 29 is rotated by a drive chain 35. The drive chain 35 is driven by a sprocket 36 on a shaft 31. Shaft 31 is held in position in a bearing on a bracket 38, one being at each end. Brackets 38 are fastened to standards i by suitable means.

A pulley 39 is securely keyed or feathered to shaft 31. The pulley 39 is connected to or driven by any suitable prime mover, such as a motor directly or connected. to line shafting. As drive chain 35 rotates a sprocket 48 on shaft 4|, a beveled gear 42 suitably fastened to shaft 4i meshes with another beveled gear 43- on a shaft 44 Fan 29 is fastened to the upper extremity of the shaft 44. Said shafts 4| and 44 rotate in bearings formed in cross member 2.

The surplus liquid, which is drawn off from the containers I2, runs into a vessel 45 and fills up openings 46 making the vessel air tight. As the trapped liquid attains the level of a pipe 41, it is pumped through pipe 41 by. a liquid pump 49 of conventional construction. Liquid .pump 49 is driven by drive chain 35 which rotates a sprocket 86 fastened to a shaft 61. Shaft 81 runs directly to and drives said liquid pump 49. Shaft 81 rotates in a bearing formed ina bracket 88 on standard I. The surplus liquid is forced through a filter 56 and by way of pipes-5| and 52, back to supply tank 6. Filter 56 is of convent o al construction and has a plug 53 at its lowest extremity so that deposited sediment may be removed.

A turret or disc 54 is provided with a number of sleeves 28, equally spaced and suitably fastened to or forming a part of disc 54. As the disc 54 is rotated, one container may be moving into position, another may be receiving liquid, a third may be about to be lowered, another may be about to be moved off the disc 54, and other relative positions may exist. The number of sleeves 28 in disc 54 may vary according to the size of containers with which the machine will be used. The pistons 25 are arranged exactly beneath air sealing flange i l of filler head "I.

Supply tank 6 and piston disc 54 rotate in unison and are so joined that when the disc 54 is rotated, supply tank 6 must of necessity also rotate. This arrangement maintains the same piston exactly below the same filler head at all times.

The rotation of the disc 54 and supply tank 6 in unison is accomplished in the following manner. Chain 35 turning on a sprocket 55 which is securely fastened to one end of a shaft 56 rotates a bevel gear 51 on the other end of shaft 56. I Shaft 56 turns in bearings 58 and 59. Bearing 58 is formed in a bracket 60, which is fastened to standard i by any suitable means. Cross member 3 which holds the bearing 59 and supports shaft 56 forms a part of the bearing for a shaft 62, and also forms the cam and support for piston disc 54.

Bevel gear 51 meshes with another bevel gear 63 held by suitable means on one end of shaft 62. On the upper end of shaft 82 is fastened a gear wheel 6| which meshes with a gear wheel 98 secured to or forming the under part of piston disc 54.

Air chamber 32 is welded or otherwise fastened at its lower extremity to the disc 54 so that when the disc 54 is rotated the air chamber 32 is also rotated. To the upper extremity of air chamber 32 is fastened by suitable means the lower extremity of rod 8. The upper reduced portion of rod 8 fits in a bearing in the cross member 5. A recess 89 in rod 8 and a recess in tubular center I accommodate a key therebetween so that when the piston disc 54 is rotated, the tank 6 also will rotate in unison therewith.

A receiving disc 64 receives containers I2 which have generally been previously filled with fruit, berries, or vegetables. As the receiving disc 64 is rotated, it delivers containers i2 to the disc 54. meshes with another bevel gear 66 fastened on one end of a shaft 61. The other end of shaft 61 is provided with a bevel gear 68 which meshes A bevel gear 65 suitably fastened to shaft 31 with another bevel gear '69 fastened to the lower end of a shaft 10. The upper end of shaft 18 is suitably and securely fastened to the receiving disc 64. J

As the receiving disc 64 rotates in a clockwise direction, the containers l2 come in contact with a feeder H also rotating in a clockwise direction as indicated. Said feeder ll pushes or slides the containers l2 into position on the turret 54.

Feeder H is rotated by means of a bevel gear ll fastened on shaft 81 which gear meshes with another bevel gear 10 faste'ned'to the lower end of a shaft 11. The upper end of shaft I1 isfastened to the feeder I l. Shaft Ills supported and turns in a bearing in a bracket ll securely fastened to standard I.

As the containers l2 filled with liquid rotate with the turret or disc 54, the containers come in contact with an ejector I! which pushes the filled containers onto a discharge disc Ill. The ejector 1! remains stationary and is fastened securely to a bracket II which is suitably fastened to the cross frame 3.

The discharge disc III is rotated in a clockwise direction by means of a bevel gear 82 fastened to shaft 21. Bevel gear 82 meshes with another bevel gear ll fastened to one end of a shaft. The discharge disc is fastened to the upper end of shaft 84. Shaft 84 is supported by and turns in a bearing in a bracket 85. Bracket 85 is fastened to the standard i by suitable means.

An examination of Figure 6 will make the invention clear. Said Figure 6 illustrates in a diagrammatic way the principles upon which the invention operates. Notations have been used on Figure 6 to aid in its understanding. As the lifting piston 28 raises a container l2 against a filler head ID, a valve ii in supply tank 0 is opened and liquid flows down the outlet tube ll. Air is drawn through the passageways and released through the exhaust as indicated by arrows. The surplus liquid is drawn off and forced by liquid pump 49 back into supply tank 6 as indicated.

A summarized description of the different operations from the receiving of the filled containers of fruit, berries or vegetables, minus the liquid, until the containers are filled with the liquid and discharged, will give a clear conception of the present invention.

The containers previously filled with fruit, berries or vegetables are placed on the receiving disc 64. As the receiving disc 64 rotates in a clockwise direction, the container l2 comes in contact with the feeder II which also rotates in a clockwise direction. Feeder Ii, by reason of its projecting fingers and rotation, pushes the containers onto the piston 28 of the: piston disc =54. As the disc 54 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, studs 24 pass over cam 25 and the containers are raised against flange ll which is moved toopen valve II. The liquid from the supply tank'ii flows through outlet l4 into the containers of fruit, berries or vegetables, as soon as valve i1 is opened. As soon as the container has been filled with liquid to a predetermined height, the suction from fan 29 draws off any surplus liquid and a pump 49 forces the surplus liquid back into supply tank 6.

It will thus be seen that by my improved device and process, and particularly due to the thinness of the flange ll only a slight suction is required to raise the liquid upwardly through the passage 30 on to the upper surface of the flange II from which point it will flow into the receptacle formed within the head Ill and then through the discharge passage 30 to the desired point as hereinbefore described. The fact that the upper surface of the flange i I is only slightly raised above the upper edge of the can coupled with the fact that the passage 30 is spaced inwardly from the suction passage and, as shown by the arrows in Figure '7, provides a means and out of the container and particularly simultaneously with its now inwardly into the container through the passage I. and in a manner such as-to eliminate the possibility of the flow to take place over the'free upper edges ofthecontainer.

It will also be noted that due to the fact that as the suction takes place inwardly across substantially the'entire cross-sectional area of the rim of the container in a direction inwardly insures against any liquid overflowing the top of the can.

The continuous rotation of the piston disc ll, brings the container i2, now filled with the correct amount of liquid, against an ejector 19, which ejector pushes the container from disc 54 onto a, discharge disc 80. From the discharge disc 80 the containers are moved to a sealing machine (not shown) by any suitable means.-

I claim: I

1. A can filling apparatus including a filling duct, a head movable relatively thereto and having walls spaced from said duct to form an outlet port for excess liquid, and means for withdrawing air and liquid by said outlet port, the

head being adapted to project into a container, the lower extremity of the projecting portion of said head and the lower extremity of saidsduct being in substantially the same horizontal plane when in filling'position whereby any liquid therein above the level of such lower extremities will be removed.

2. In a can filling device, ahead for seating upon a can and substantially closing such can without sealing the edges thereof, said head having a suction conduit therein and a circular trough about said conduit externally shaped to fit inside the rim of such can, and suction means operable through said conduit to withdraw liquid from said can by drawing air between the edge of such can and said circular trough into said conduit.

3. In a, can filling device, a head for seating upon a can and substantially closing such can without sealing the edges thereof, said head having a suction conduit and a filler conduit therein and a circular trough about said conduits externally, said trough having a portion shaped to depend inside the rim of such can, means to fill such can through said filler conduit, and suction means operable through such suction conduit to withdraw surplus material from such can while air is drawn between the edge of such can and said trough into said suction conduit.

4. In a can filling device, a head for seatin upon a can and substantially closing such can without sealing the edges thereof, said head having a suction conduit and a filler conduit therein and a circular trough, said trough having a portion shaped to fit inside the edge of such can. the lower edge of said trough'being in a. horizontal plane within the interior of such can, means to insert liquid into such can through said filler conduit,and suction means operable through said suction conduit to draw liquid from such can by causing air tobe drawn between the edge of such can and said trough and into said suction conduit.

5. Liquid leveling apparatus comprising a nonsealing closure seatable on the edge of a can, a conduit member insertable into such a can, and suction means associated therewith, said conduit member having an end opening into such can, and said suction means having an intake'path defined. by said conduit member and drawing liquid from such can until the liquid level therein 'falls below the level of the conduit member end.

6. Liquid levelling apparatus comprising a non-sealing closure seatable upon the edge of a container and comprising a conduit member insertable into such container, suction means connected to said conduit member, said non-sealing closure comprising a substantially circular, substantially trough-like portion, said conduit member having the flanged end opening into such container and said suction means being adapted to draw surplus liquid from such container and air from unenclosed atmosphere across the edge of such container and through said conduit member when the level of the liquid in the container falls below the level of the flange in the end of such conduit member.

'7. Liquid levelling apparatus for reducing the liquid content of an over-filled container, comprising a suction conduit insertable into such container to a predetermined depth, suction means operable therethrough, and a nonsealing circular trough free from vent apertures concentric oi. said conduit and loosely seatable upon the top edge of such container and forming an extension of said suction conduit.

8. In a can filler, the combination of a head having an inverted, annular trough-like portion adapted to fit about the rim of a can and to provide a suction passage between said trough-like portion and the upper annular edge of the can, a filler conduit concentric of said trough-like portion, the trough-like portion and filler conduit being spaced one from another to provide an air and liquid conduit therebetween, and suction means for drawing air between said head and the rim of the can and drawing air and liquid through the space between the trough and filler conduit and outwardly of the can.

9. In a can filling device, a head with a suction opening and having an inverted trough about said suction opening, said trough being adapted to receive the entire edge of such can and to fit about and upon such edge without sealing such can, and suction means operable to draw air through said suction opening past the edge of said can.

10. In a can filling device, a head with a suction opening and having an inverted circular trough about said opening, said trough being adapted to receive the entire edge oi! a can and to fit about and upon such edge without sealing such can, the non-sealing relationship of said head and such can providing an inlet for air therebetween, and suction means operable to draw air between such can and head and through said suction opening.

11. In a can filling device, a filler head provided with a filling opening, and an annular suction opening about said filling opening, an inverted circular trough about said suction opening to receive the entire edge of a can and adapted to fit about and upon such edge without sealing the can, the nonsealing relationship of said head and the edge of such can providing an inlet for air therebetween, and suction means operable to draw surplus liquid from such can and to' draw air between the edge of such can and said head to prevent the wetting of the outside or such can.

12. In a can filling device, a filler head having a filling opening and a suction opening, an inverted circular trough about said openings to receive the entire edge of a can and adapted to fit about and upon the edge thereof without sealing such can, the non-sealing relationship of said head and such can providingan opening admitting air therebetween, filling means operable to fill such can through said filling opening, and suction means operable to draw surplus liquid from such can and to draw in air between said head and suchcan to prevent the wetting of the outside or such can.

13. The herein described method of filling open containers to a predetermined capacity which comprises introducing liquid substantially centrally of said container and in an amount in excess of the capacity of said container while producing a suction across substantially the entire cross-sectional rim area of said container and inwardly thereof, and thence outwardly of said container whereby to remove excess liquid.

14. The herein described method of filling open containers with a predetermined volume of liquid, which comprises flowing liquid into the container in excess of the volumetric capacity of said container while creating a suction from the exterior of the container inwardly across substantially the entire upper rim into the container and thence out of the container at a substantially annular zone spaced interiorly of said rim to remove the excess liquid from said container.

15. The herein described process of filling containers having free rims which comprises delivering liquid into the container at a. point substantially removed from the inner rim wall thereof, and in an amount in excess of the normal capacity of said container while causing a continuous fiow of air to pass from outside of said container across substantially the entire cross-sectional rim area and thence downwardly along the inner rim wall, thence inwardly and thence upwardly out of said container in an annular path of travel whereby to carry out of said container therewith liquid in excess of the capacity of said container.

16. In combination with a receptacle having a free rim or upper edge, means for filling the receptacle with a liquid in excess of the capacity of the receptacle and means operating during the delivery of said liquid into said container for sucking liquid from the container from a substantially annular zone located adjacent the inner rim wall of the container to prevent the excess liquid overflowing said rim.

17. In a device of the class described in combination with a container having a free upper rim, means associated with the upper rim comprising an annular member depending within the free rim of said container in slight spaced-apart relation therefrom and annularly thereof, means providing a substantially annular but restricted passage across and coextensive with the crosssectional area of the rim, means providing an upwardly extending passage within said depending means for discharging air and liquid from said container, means for delivering liquid into the container and means for drawing air through said passage and out of said container whereby to discharge excess liquid from said container.

'18; In combination with a container having a free rim, means for filling saidcontainer with a liquid in excess of the capacity of the container comprising means adapted to overlie the free rim of said container, said means providing a restricted passage completely across substantially the entire cross-sectional area of said rim and means for drawing air from without said container across said restricted passage into the upper portion of said container and thence outwardly thereof, and means for feeding liquid into said container during the passage of said air whereby excess liquid fed into said container will be removed therefrom.

19. In a device of the class described, the combination of a container having a free rim, means completely overlying the entire rim of said container to prevent splashing of liquid thereover, means for feeding liquid into said container in an amount in excess of the capacity of said container, and means for producing a suction substantially across the entire cross-sectional area of said rim and inwardly thereof for withdrawing liquid from the container in excess of a predetermined volumetric capacity and in a manner to prevent flow of such excess liquid over the rim of said container.

20. In a device of the class described in combination with a container having a free rim, means overlying the rim of said container providing a liquid overflow, said means being annularly spaced from the rim of said container and providing a restricted passage substantially coextensive with the cross-sectional area oi. said rim, said means being connected to the atmosphere and to the interior of said container, said overlying means depending annularly within said container below the rim and spaced from the inner walls slightly to provide an annular extension of said passageway, additional means providing a restricted air and liquid passage of annular formation disposed within said depending member and forming an upward extension of said second mentioned passage, suction means connected to said last named extension and means for delivering liquid in said container in excess of the normal capacity thereof.

21. In a device of the class described, the combination with a can having a rim, an inverted annular trough-like member disposed over the rim and providing a restricted suction passage substantially coextensive with the cross-sectional area of the rim, means providing an annular liquid and air passage of annular and restricted cross-section disposed inside of said inverted trough, said second named passage opening within the container below the rim and discharging out'side of said container above said inverted an- -:-'nu'la r trough, means for collecting and dischargingllquid passing through said last named passage, means for delivering liquid into said container and means connected to said last named passage for sucking air from outside of said i",c e ntainer across the rim for causing said air to carry liquid from said container outwardly thereof.

22. In a device for filling cans and other containers having free edges, the combination of an overflow receptacle comprising a flange annularly overlying the rim of the can and providing with said rim a non-airtight flt so'as to provide a restricted passage for the air to flow substantially inwardly across the can rim extensive with its annular cross-sectional area. said flange depending within the can in spaced relation to the inner wall thereof and slightly below the rim portion of the can, means providing a substantially annular restricted liquid passage disposed within said depending rim, means disposed exteriorly of said can and forming with said overlying flange a liquid passage connected with said last mentioned liquid passage and connected to a source of suction, and means disposed laterally within said last named passage for delivering liquid into said can in excess of the normal capacity thereof.

23. In a device for filling cans and other containers having free edges, the combination of a relatively thin member adapted to be positioned on thefree upper edge of the can, means associated with said member and the upper edge walls of said can providing a suction passage extending from the exterior of said can across the upper edge of said can inwardly and means providing an upwardly extending passage having its lower inlet disposed within said can adjacent the inner discharge of said first mentioned passage and having its outlet disposed to discharge liquid onto the upper surface of said thin member whereby only a slight elevation of the liquid in the can is required to discharge it from the can while preventing overflow of such liquid at the free edges of the can.

24. In a device for filling cans and other containers having free edges, the combination of a relatively thin annular member adapted to be positioned on the free upper edge of the can, the upper surface of said member being in a plane slightly above the plane of the upper edge of the can, said annular member being provided with a portion forming a receptacle and connecting with said annular upper edge of said member, said receptacle being disposed outside of said can, means associated with said member and the upper edge walls of said can providing a suction passage extending from the exterior of said can across substantially the entire cross-sectional area of said upper edge and inwardly of said can. and means providing an upwardly extending, substantially annular passage having its lower inlet disposed within said can adjacent the inner discharge of said first mentioned passage and having its outlet disposed to discharge onto the upper surface of said annular member and suction means connected to the receptacle formed by said annular member whereby said suction operatesto slightly elevate a portion of the liquid in 

